Alice was rushing back and forth trying to finish getting ready. She told Tina that she had to go out and needed to be ready quickly. She didnt want to leave Tina alone, but she didnt think that she was ready to face anyone yet.

Are you sure youre gonna be okay Tina? Alice inquired.

Yeah. I can use some time alone. I need to think anyway.

Alice gave her the look to make sure Tina was really all right with being alone for a little while. She hated to leave her in an emotional state. She looked so sad and almost pitiful, which broke Alices heart. Bette and Tina had been her idols and the role models for a beautiful relationship; she never expected that something like this could ever happen. Dana was already on her way so she couldnt back out now, although a part of her wanted to. Her confidence level was waning and she hoped that she wouldnt turn into a blithering idiot while talking to Dana.

Alice checked on Tina one last time then peaked out the window to see if Dana had pulled up yet. She hadnt, so she went to sit with Tina one last time before she left.

Tina, Im going to the country club with Dana. If you need me for anything, please call me, okay?

Tina nodded.

I mean it. You call me. You know Id rather stay with you, but I really do need to see Dana.

Tina gave Alice a confused look. Alice didnt want to talk about it at the moment, so she down played their meeting.

I just need to talk to her about some concerns I have with Tanya. Ya know the stuff from the trip and all. Alice told a half-truth.

Oh, okay. I remember.

Alice was relieved. She wasnt ready to tell anyone about the kiss when she wasnt even sure where things would go between she and Dana. She got up to check outside again and she saw Dana pull up.

Shes here. Remember call me if you need me or if you plan to leave. You know Ill worry otherwise.

Dont worry, Ill be fine. I may go back to the house to get some clothes, but thats only if Bette isnt there. Im not ready to see her yet.

Alice hugged Tina.

Well, call me if you leave and try not to worry. Just relax and take some time for yourself. Ill see you in a little while. Love you.

Thanks. Love you too.

Alice left and headed downstairs.

Dana was sitting in the car tapping the steering wheel when Alice came out. Alice got in and Dana took off.

Hey Dana. Alice chirped trying not to sound nervous.

Hey!

The air between them was a little tense. It was apparent that they were both nervous and not sure where to begin. Alice couldnt take the uneasiness and decided to break the silence seeing as she was the cause for it.

Dana, I hope I didnt cause any problems for you when I came by. I didnt give Tanya any thought and maybe I should have. I just had to see you and talk to you before I lost my nerve. I know I didnt give you a chance to really react, but you know how it is sometimes. Act first, think later. Alice rambled.

Dana looked over at Alice. She understood what she meant and knew all too well how nervous energy can get the best of you. She thought back to when she liked Lara and all the tension she caused for herself until a move was finally made.

Yeah, I know. Well, I mean, I understand. Im not always in control of how I feel ya know? I mean, you know I dont always think or act right sometimes. Dana babbled nervously.

Dana kept her eye on the road as she sped through traffic to reach the country club. She was anxious to get there because she didnt want to get into a distracting conversation while driving. Her phone rang and it was Tanya.

Hello! Hey Tanya.

Alice rolled her eyes.

Yes, Im with Alice right now. No, Im not sure how long this will take. Yes, thats fine. Okay, see you later.

Dana turned the phone off and put it in the console. Alice noticed it was being powered off, but said nothing.

Is everything okay with Tanya?

Dana gave Alice an odd glance.

Yeah. She wanted to plan something to do later and wanted to know when Id be back.

Thats it? Alice didnt mean to continue her inquiry, but it just came out. She didnt ask about me directly?

Uhm? No! She just asked if I was with you now. Shes fine. She just gets a little clingy sometimes. I think its because she doesnt really know anyone around here ya know?

Yeah, I guess so. Are you cool with her being so into you the way she is?

Dana looked puzzled.

Yeah, I suppose. She really likes me and we did get engaged.

Alice felt sick! She didnt want to think about the engagement. She really didnt like Tanya and her gut feeling told her that Tanya was an opportunist and she was using Dana for status. She knew she had to tell Dana everything once they got to the country club, but she couldnt wait any longer. She wanted to tell her everything immediately.

Dana, pull over.

What? Were almost there.

I know, but this cant wait. Ive been holding this is for too long already and I just want to get it out now. Pull into the parking lot.

Dana eased her way across the lane and pulled into the parking lot. She turned off the car and waited for Alice to talk. She didnt like the way Alice was making her feel and was gravely concerned with her demeanor.

Whats wrong Alice? Ive been a bag of nerves since you stopped by and now youre making it worse.

Im sorry. I didnt mean to cause any trouble, but theres something you need to know about Tanya.

What? Whats wrong with her?

Alice adjusted herself and turned to face Dana.

Shes not trustworthy.

Dana was stunned.

Why? What makes you say that? I want to marry her. Well, I think, I mean thought I did until

Wait Dana, let me finish. Alice cut her off.

Remember when we went on the trip? Well, she was all over you from the moment we walked in. I could tell by her vibe that she wanted you, but I, no WE didnt say anything. You were being honored and we didnt want to ruin anything for you. I think you hooked up with her either on impulse or because she didnt give you much of an option. Either way, you did and I was fine with that because it was your choice. But when we were getting gas, she didnt give me the change from the $50 that I gave her.

She what? Dana jumped in. She stole your money?

Well, yeah. I watched the meter and it was like $32 and she kept the change. I told the others, but we agreed not to say anything. Then when you told her about cats, she said she hated them, but changed her mind when you showed her the picture of Mr. Piddles. We all looked at each other, but said nothing. No one wanted to blow your high Dana. Alice said sympathetically.

Dana continued to stare at Alice with awe and disbelief of what she was hearing.

What else Alice? Please tell me.

Uhm, then Mr. P mysteriously died and I knew, well I mean, I had a gut feeling that she had something to do with it. Shes always trying to make you like her or control what you do. Its like she has a way of making everything about you, about her. Get what Im saying?

Uhm? Uhm, maybe, kinda. I dont know. But Mr. P? I hope she didnt. Dana began to wimper.

Alice felt bad, but she had to tell her. She reached over and held Danas hand.

What do the others think? I mean about Mr. P? Do they think she did it too? Does everyone hate Tanya?

Alice nodded. She couldnt form the words to say yes.

Oh my God! Dana blurted out and started sobbing. Why would she do that to him? Why didnt anyone day anything to me?

Alice pulled Dana close to her.

We wanted to, but we were afraid and then you announced your engagement and we didnt want to spoil your moment. Im sorry we didnt say anything, we werent trying to hurt you.

Dana continued sobbing, then stopped, and pulled away from Alice.

Is that why you kissed me? Was that your way of making me reconsider my feelings toward Tanya?

No. Oh God no Dana. Alice said in a low breath. She sighed. I kissed you because I really like you. I guess it took me seeing you with someone who was bad for you to realize that I have feelings for you. When you were with Lara, I was happy because you were genuinely happy. With Tanya, I dont see that. I see you being taken advantage of and I couldnt take it. Im sorry if this confuses things for you, but I had to let you know.

Dana sat back in her seat trying to digest everything Alice told her. She was still in shock and sobbing slightly, but she seemed relieved.